send someone along – non-affiliates would be very welcome as well. If you can’t attend you can still send in your thoughts to Ron.

FBU action: the FBU has taken part in their 4th strike action. The Executive Council has decided to ballot over other forms of action short of a strike as well. For up to date info on the general position see http://www.fbu.org.uk/archives/7399

Events

Also see previous newsletter

TONIGHT 14th Nov see Question Time 10.35 when there will be someone from the Save Portsmouth Shipyard Campaign. I believe the GMB has organised a protest outside too. Portsmouth TUC is very involved in the Campaign and I am sure messages of support would be welcome: https://www.facebook.com/saveportsmouthshipyard

Events

31st Oct Thurs: UCU and Unison strike action. Picket line on both campuses from 8 to 12 depending on numbers. Please support!

2nd Nov Sat Daventry Protest March. ‘Like everywhere else in the country, Daventry has been hit hard by the Tory attacks on the public sector. In the last few months the local cardiac unit and ambulance station have closed. Now we have been told a local nursing home will be closing down, with a loss of thirty beds. On 2nd November there will be a public march and rally through Daventry to protest against the attacks on our NHS. Having had the pleasure of campaigning with you all in the past, it would be great if you and some of

your members could join us. The march will start at 10:00 am and finish at 11:00 am. Labour Councillor Wendy Randall is in charge of arranging the march and can be contacted on 07840747348 or wendyrandall121@hotmail.co.uk’

5th November Tuesday: Bonfire of Austerity. The People’s Assembly is calling for protest in every town. http://thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/5nov/ Have we any plans for Northampton? Please let me know.

5th/6th Nov Wed: NAPO strike (probation and family court staff union) 12 noon on 5th Nov to 12 noon on the 6th in response to the government’s plans to sell off 70% of the probation service. More details to follow.

9th November Sat Labour Assembly Against Austerity 9am – 5pm, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX The Labour Assembly Against Austerity will provide a forum for Labour Party members to discuss alternatives to austerity and the policies Labour needs to stimulate growth, jobs and rising living standards. http://labourassemblyagainstausterity.org.uk/

14th November Trades Council 7.15 Old Black Lion. Please could as many delegates attend as possible for an important discussion on the way forward. Non-affiliated unions welcome to come and join in.

Feb 2014 Women’s Assembly Against Austerity: Following the success of the People’s Assembly Against Austerity, which saw over 3,000 people fill Central Hall Westminster, the National Assembly of Women is working with other women from Stop the War, CND, People’s Charter and Charter for Women to organise a Women’s Assembly Against Austerity.

This event will take place in London in February 2014 and a call has gone out for support to women’s organisation, women-led organisations, leading women from trade unions, anti racist and anti discrimination struggles, plus other influential women in public life. The only criteria

potentially reaches several hundred people who could support you. Also, it would be good to get pictures and reports of any action – there’s often little press coverage, so let’s get these events known about!

Events

21st Sept 11.00am: Reclaim Our NHS will have a stall at the Cobblers Last, Abington St. Volunteers very welcome!

25th Sept Firemen’s Strike. Details tbc.

26th Sept: Unison demo at NCC – see previous newsletter for more details. Please come along if you can.

29th Sept Manchester demo – see previous newsletter. There are some places left on the coach, but not many, so please book asap if you want to go.

Women’s Assembly. There has been a suggestion to hold an assembly in January with an anti-austerity focus and as an addition to the People’s Assembly. If anyone is interested in getting more involved contact me initially and I’ll put you on to the right people. See Womens Assembly proposal

Shrewsbury 24 Campaign. The Shrewsbury 24 were building workers who took part in the first ever national building strike in 1972. It was successful, but 5 months later the pickets were arrested and charged in relation to the picketing – conspiracy to intimidate, affray and unlawful assembly. Six were imprisoned, with Des Warren and Ricky Tomlinson (the actor) doing the longest periods. The campaign believes they were innocent but the Government is withholding papers about it under a section of the Freedom of Information Act relating to National Security. Please download the petition and get others to sign it: http://www.shrewsbury24campaign.org.uk/